Board of Marine Pilots

The Board of Marine Pilots is staffed by the Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing. A representative for the Commissioner of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development also serves on the Board. Board members, except the Commissioner's representative, are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Legislature.

The Board adopts regulations to carry out its mission to provide efficient and competent pilotage service for the protection of shipping, the safety of human life and property, and the protection of the marine environment. It makes final licensing decisions and takes disciplinary action against people who violate the licensing laws. The Board meets three times a year and offers a public comment period at each meeting. Meeting agendas are available from the Marine Pilot Coordinator.

Licensees must also obtain an Alaska Business License.

Fraud Alert: Impersonation of Licensing Unit or Licensing Investigations Unit

We have received reports of fraudulent communications from people claiming to be investigators or licensing examiners in our office. These include fraudulent emails asking for documents through a provided link, calls from “investigators” stating a licensee’s name is associated with criminal activity, and even calls followed by convincing license action letters.

If you receive such a call, please consider hanging up and calling our Investigations Unit at (907) 269-8124 to confirm legitimacy.

If you receive such an email, do not click the link or respond – we will never send you a link to upload your documents through.

If you are unsure of the legitimacy of the communication you received and wish to double check with our office, you can also contact our Investigations Unit via email at Investigations@Alaska.Gov. Please be sure to include your full name, license number, and a brief description of your inquiry.

Renewal Application:

Renewal applications will be available no later than December 1, 2026, in accordance with AS 08.01.050. Please note, you must wait for an updated renewal application to renew your license. You cannot renew your license using any prior renewal forms. If you need to renew your license for the current licensing period (1/1/2025 – 12/31/2026), email BoardOfMarinePilots@Alaska.Gov to request the appropriate form. To ensure receipt of renewal notifications and other correspondence from our office, please go to MY LICENSE and confirm your current mailing address is on file.

Timing for Physical Exam Requirements for Renewal

Per AS 08.62.120(a)(3), you must provide evidence of satisfactory completion of a physical examination by a licensed physician within 60 days before the date of renewal of the license. However, per the division’s centralized regulation 12 AAC 02.940, the effective date of your renewal will be the date a completed renewal application is filed with our division; the file date is the date either submitted online through MY LICENSE or the postmark date on a mailed in application. This means that as long as your renewal application is submitted (or mailed in) within 60 days of your physical examination and you ensure your renewal application is complete at the time of submittal, you will meet the physical exam requirements.

If you have any questions on the pending regulation changes, please view the Proposed Regulations FAQs.

If you have any additional questions, please utilize the CBPL Contact Form.

Regulated Professions

Deputy Marine Pilot
Marine Pilot
Vessel Agent

Sealife Awareness

Vessel Disturbance Guidance: Alaska Harbor Seal Approach Guidelines
Whale Avoidance: Five things you can do to reduce the risk of whale strikes